Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month: Israel te Bulte

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Israel te Bulte has been named February’s Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month for her hard work and commitment to any sport she competes in.

One of the two nominations sent in for Israel described her as the “embodiment of sportsmanship, leadership and commitment.”

Just hearing Israel speak about being a multi-sport athlete, along with her goals and ambitions, it’s evident that she is a mature young adult focused on succeeding in whatever she is involved in.

Like most of Nothern Vision Care Youth Athletes of the Month, Israel isn’t putting in the work for recognition but says, “It’s nice to feel seen.”

“Sports has always been for me, just something to help calm my brain and something I can use to constantly grow,” said Israel.

The North Peace Secondary student competes in rugby, basketball, long-distance running, and soccer, which she hopes to play at the university level when she graduates.

Despite having moments of wanting to quit, Israel has, so far, been able to navigate the highs and lows of playing soccer, which she got into in third grade.

Israel says her dad is one of the reasons she’s stuck with the sport for so long.

“He’s coached me the entire way —from my competitive team up until I graduate. That’s what really helped me fall in love with the sport because it’s something I can do with my dad and be a leader and a teammate.”

The grade 11 student has some ideas of post-secondary institutions she’d like to attend but noted the difficulty in making connections from northern B.C.

“if you’re not playing hockey up here, it’s almost impossible to be seen. My parents are very supportive of me, and like what I want to do, they’ll make it happen. But there’s definitely like limitations within reason,” said Israel.

Over the next year, she hopes to make connections with the soccer programs at a few universities in BC.

“All soccer is dominated by the Vancouver area. I’ve gone to a couple of ID camps like [the University of Northern British Columbia], kind of interested in [the University of British Columbia] or [the University of Victoria], depending on if they will have me.”

Israel says she is eyeing a career in nursing or as a chiropractor.

Another passion of hers is long-distance running, which she participates in with her dad. Israel says she completed her first half marathon when she was 11.

Her favourite achievement within sport was racing for 27 kilometres in the Canadian Death Race team relay in August 2023. Israel and her four teammates in Fierce Females placed fourth in the women’s relay and 37th overall.

“That was something my dad and I had wanted to put together for about five years. And even for me, that’s the longest distance I’ve ever raced. Yeah, that’s, that’s my proudest moment.”

Her other achievements include winning Rookie of the Year in high school rugby and being co-captain of the U17/19 Northern Strikers.

As of February 28th, Israel is in Langley, BC, competing in provincials with the NPSS senior girls basketball team.

When she is not at school or working on her soccer skills, along with every other sport she plays, Israel likes playing piano and taking in live music.

Congratulations to Israel te Bulte for being named the Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month for February.

If the athlete you nominated didn’t win this month, keep nominating! The votes carry over, so keep submitting your picks for the Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month!